MTS workers fearful of replacement

MTS WORKERS are calling on Government to come clean with its intentions for the restructuring of the National Maintenance Training and Security Company (MTS), as many workers are fearful that the Community, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) workers will be replacing them in the near future. Yesterday, maintenance workers of the MTS braved the midday heat to demonstrate outside the MTS Plaza in Aranjuez. General Secretary of the Transport and Industrial Workers’ Union, Judy Charles, said workers were frustrated by rumours about CEPEP taking their jobs, and she was unable to assure them that their jobs were safe.

“The Government keeps talking about restructuring MTS, but we do not know if we are in those plans. Last year the Prime Minister made an announcement during a CEPEP graduation about CEPEP workers doing the work of MTS,” said Charles. Charles said although the MTS had nothing against CEPEP, she could see why the Government would want the CEPEP workers. “Government is saying that CEPEP is good. They work with low terms and conditions, but we need to know where we stand. Let the Government come clean,” said Charles. Charles said that workers were also waiting for the Chief Personnel Officer to set a date to discuss wage negotiations. Charles said the terms for negotiations would end on June 30. “We do not know if the restructuring is hindering negotiations, but we want to know what plans the Government has for us,” said Charles.